As the Sony VENICE is about to start shipping this month, the company announced the camera will feature dual-native ISO of 500 and 2500, similar to Panasonic VARICAM 35.
Sony VENICE cinema camera
Firmware Features Coming in Stages
Sony is planning to bring various features to its new camera in phases through firmware updates. Firmware version 1.0 will be available in all Sony VENICE cameras from the very beginning. Version 2.0 is planned for release in August 2018 and firmware version 3.0 is scheduled for early 2019. To get more information about the key features of the new Sony VENICE Full-frame cinema camera go ahead and check out our article.
Full Frame from the Start, plus Dual Base ISO 500 & 2500
As we already reported, despite Sony’s initial plan to only add support for the full-frame option at a later stage, version 1.0 firmware will include support for Full-Frame 24x36mm recording (via a paid upgrade).
In addition, several new capabilities have been announced for the VENICE, such as its “Dual Base ISO” mode. Apart from its native ISO 500, Sony VENICE will support an additional High Base ISO of 2500 to utilise the sensor’s claimed 15+ stops of exposure latitude. According to Sony, this should improve image quality in low light and achieve exceptional dynamic range – from 6 stops over to 9 stops under 18% middle gray. It’s great to see this feature a camera other than Panasonic’s line-up of pro cameras (VARICAM, VARICAM LT and EVA1 all have the dual base ISO feature too).
Another unique feature on the Sony VENICE is its built-in 8-step optical ND filter with servo mechanism that also allows remote control. The new color science is designed to deliver a soft tonal film look with natural response and the highlights preserving dynamic range.
Sony has developed the so-called VENICE camera menu simulator, an online tool designed to give camera operators an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the camera’s operational workflow before using the Sony VENICE in production.
Sony VENICE Firmware Roadmap
Version 2.0 Firmware New Features & Improvements:
Imager mode – 4K 6:5 Anamorphic, 6K 1.85:1, 6K 17:9, 6K 3:2 25p, 6K 3:2 In-camera playback, 4K 4:3 25p 29p
Supporting Lens mount – E-mount (lever lock type)
Recording format – Apple ProRes
Simul. Rec combination – RAW / X-OCN 0& Apple ProRes
Shooting function – Select FPS, Dual Base ISO
Monitor Out function – Additional preset MLUTs, User 3DLUT
Shooting Assist function – Surround View, Dot by Dot Magnification, Auto White Balance, High-Lo Key, False Colour in Viewfinder
Hardware – Operator side CLIPS button
Network – Wired LAN control (partial)
Version 3.0 Firmware New Features & Improvements:
Imager mode – 5.7K 16:9, 6K 2.39:1
Simul. Rec combination – XAVC 4K/QFHD & Apple ProRes Proxy, RAW/X-OCN & XAVC 4K/QFHD
Shooting function – Paint menu (Custom mode), Cache Rec. (AXS, SxS)
Monitor Out function – 12G-SDI (for 4K 50/60p)
Shooting Assist function – False Color
Hardware – Remote S700 Protocol, 12pin lens remote
Network function – Wired LAN control (FULL MENU), Wireless LAN control (with CBK-WA02)
VENICE has an established workflow with support from Sony’s RAW Viewer v3, and third party vendors including Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3, and Assimilate Scratch v8.6 among others.
Sony seems to be listening to its users and is trying to implement a lot of features based on feedback. An often-requested feature is support for high frame rates. Sony claims to be working to implement this feature and make it available at a later date.
What is your opinion about Sony’s new cinema camera and their firmware upgrade roadmap? Let us know in the comments below.

IBC 2017 has seen the announcement of an upcoming Canon modular camera for uses ranging from action cam to professional broadcast.
In a very un-Canon manner, Canon has presented a concept for an upcoming mini modular camera called Canon MM100-WS, and will be taking feedback from the industry to implement along the development of the product.
According to Marcel Hess, this new Canon modular camera will only be a couple of centimetres thick and will incorporate a non-removable wide-angle lens that will allow it to be dust and splash proof. The battery will only be 1cm thick, allowing the whole package to remain quite compact, recording internally to MicroSD cards.
What’s interesting about this Canon modular camera is that its functionality will be expandable with additional parts, such as an additional SDI output module or a larger battery. This would make the camera capable of fulfilling many roles, from a body cam to a studio and broadcast-capable tool.
This type of crossover action camera is proving to be quite a popular concept – the recent announcement of the Sony RX0, for example, has stirred quite a lot of interest in the industry. Check out our hands-on with the RX0 at IBC 2017 HERE.
What’s very interesting about this announcement is Canon’s sudden change of mentality in opening up about upcoming products and actually requesting market feedback. We can only hope that this much-requested change of manufacturer-customer dynamics will translate into future big cameras.
Could you see a use in your professional work for a miniature SDI-capable device like this Canon modular camera? Let us know in the comments.